Arsenal Player Ratings: Saka and Calafiori Shine in Dominant Win Over Burnley, While Mosquera Struggles
ARSENAL narrowly defeated Burnley, inching closer to the Premier League trophy.
Kai Havertz’s header in the 36th minute secured a victory for the Gunners against the already-relegated Burnley at the Emirates.
It wasn’t the most dazzling performance, but Mikel Arteta’s team did enough to secure the win.
By this time tomorrow, Arsenal could be champions if Manchester City fails to overcome the high-flying Bournemouth.
Alternatively, a win at Crystal Palace this Sunday would secure the title.
Here’s how Simon Collings from SunSport rated each Arsenal player’s performance at the Emirates this evening.
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David Raya: 6
Had a quiet evening as Burnley sat back, denying him any saves to make.
Riccardo Calafiori: 7
Showed how much Arsenal has missed him with his dynamic runs forward.
Displayed excellent synergy with Leandro Trossard throughout the match.
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Created three opportunities before being substituted with under 20 minutes remaining.
Gabriel: 6
Had a few heated exchanges with Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri but remained composed.
Burnley posed minimal threat, enabling him to have an easy night.
William Saliba: 6
Delivered a solid performance, with one exception where he hesitated in his box, needing Rice’s intervention.
Burnley striker Zian Flemming struggled to make an impact against him.
Cristhian Mosquera: 5
Started for the first time since the trip to Manchester City.
Defensively solid, but lacked the attacking prowess that Ben White and Jurrien Timber provide.
Made several shaky moments and lost possession on a few occasions.
Declan Rice: 7
Played at the base of midfield, helping Arsenal control possession.
Provided essential support to Eze and Odegaard during attacks.
Made critical tackles when Burnley ventured forward.
Martin Odegaard: 6
Partnered with Eze as one of two No8s for the first time since October.
Had several touches and nearly scored, but his shot from the edge was deflected wide.
Struggled to find paths through Burnley’s defense for most of the match.
Eberechi Eze: 6
Had a subdued first half, followed by an eventful start to the second.
Nearly gave Burnley a chance when he lost the ball, but the opponent wasted it.
Had a shot that struck the crossbar and a close-range header blocked.
Leandro Trossard: 7
The Belgian is regaining form, having scored the winner in the previous match against West Ham.
Came close to scoring within 15 minutes, but his shot regrettably hit the post.
Put in a relentless effort off the ball throughout the night, marking a timely resurgence after a mixed season.
Kai Havertz: 7
REFEREE MARK HALSEY ON HAVERTZ VAR DECISION
By Mark Halsey
“Another controversial moment occurred during Arsenal vs Burnley, involving a second half challenge by Kai Havertz on Burnley’s No8, Ugochukwu.
“Looking at Law 12 concerning fouls and misconduct, a careless challenge is merely a free-kick, while a reckless one draws a free-kick and a yellow card.
“A challenge posing a safety risk due to excessive force warrants a red card.
“Paul Tierney deemed Havertz’s challenge on the Burnley player reckless and issued a yellow card.
“The challenge was poor, as he lunged in and struck the player high on the calf.
“Challenges that endanger safety must be treated with a red card.
“I was surprised VAR didn’t recommend a review of this challenge because, in my view, it met the criteria outlined in Law 12.
“This season, similar challenges have resulted in send-offs.
“Inconsistency regarding officiating decisions remains an issue, which must be addressed over the summer.”
A contender for the luckiest player in North London, Havertz opened the scoring with a header from Saka’s corner.
After halftime, he received a yellow card for a tackle on Lesley Ugochukwu, escaping a red after a VAR check.
This will come as a relief to him, ensuring his good performance wasn’t overshadowed.
Bukayo Saka: 7
Chose the perfect moment to register his 50th Premier League assist, setting up Havertz for the opener.
The winger was lively, producing an early shot that was blocked and delivering a cross that went begging at the back post.
Should have scored from Havertz’s assist but redeemed himself with the corner that led to the goal.
Subs:
Piero Hincapie (Calafiori 72′): 6
The highlight of his brief time on the pitch was a comical moment when he accidentally exposed himself while attempting to cross.
Provided some light-hearted relief as the match’s tension grew.
Viktor Gyokeres (Havertz 73’): 6
Substituted in with an evident point to prove, he made his presence felt.
Had claims for a late penalty turned down.
Myles Lewis-Skelly (Eze 73’) 6
Unfortunate to be benched after some solid performances in midfield. He should still be hopeful for a start in next week’s Champions League final.